His disordered white hair fell across his haggard face. He had never looked more broken or humble.
"I'm begging you, Elise. Please forgive me," he rasped, tears streaming down his face. "I personally made sure Vivian Pierce went to prison. She received the punishment she deserved. I've settled the score with everyone who hurt us. Please come back. Can't we return to the way we were?"
I looked down at him as he knelt and pleaded, but not the slightest ripple disturbed my eyes.
With a trace of genuine confusion, I asked calmly, "Who is Vivian Pierce?"
I had already forgotten that insignificant passerby.
After a brief pause, I spoke again. "Derek Lockwood, you never understood. The problem between us was never Vivian Pierce.
"The root of it was always in your heart. You despised me for
